For those of you who are interested in self-energy techniques, incorporate this form into your day, and experience increased calm, focus and energy!
Qi Gong movements to promote flow of energy:
From the Bamboo Mountain form
1) Gather Chi: hands fold over one another just below belly button:
Tan Tien point, energy storehouse of body. Then bring hands down to sides, palms facing body.
2) Harmonize Three Treasures: hands float up at sides as if suspended by string at the wrist, hands relaxed; at breast level, turn palms up, continue floating up; eyes watch as hands arc to center above head and float down centerline in front of body to rest again at sides.
3) Turning the Spiritual Wheel: Create energy bubble in front of body at hip level between hands; turn the wheel, guiding bubble up in front, through head, down through torso, through hips, and again to front of body, palms always facing Allow elbows to point behind you as your energy bubble reaches hips, keeping shoulders relaxed. Repeat several times; reverse motion.
4) Harmonizing Heaven and Earth: Stand with hands in front of, but not touching, thighs. As energy moves from Earth through feet and reaches hands, float hands up body without touching; at breast level, hands turn and draw out toward sides, fingertips facing. As palms face shoulders, hands turn, facing away from body and rise up and arc away from body, coming to rest again, palms facing thighs.
5) Sparrow Lifts Wings: Arms and hands float up to breast level as if on a cushion of air, palms facing down, arms becoming “wings” that pump gently up and down with breath or with energy pulse.
6) Balancing Yin and Yang:
a- Earth: One hand floats down, other hand up, in front of body, palms facing each other. Sense the energy bubble between your hands.
b- Heaven: Hands float up and down, exchanging positions; at highest and lowest point, palms turn to face each other, and exchange positions again, passing each other and sensing energy flow between the hands. Allow hands to move with the rhythm and pulse of your body’s energy.
c- Person: Continuing your hand movements, right foot steps forward as right hand moves down. Weight shifts back as right hand moves up, shifts forward onto right leg as right hand moves down. Continue movements in this position; then step forward on left foot as left hand moves down. Weight shifts back as left hand moves up, shifts forward as left hand moves down. Continue movements in this position. Now bring left foot back to aligned position with right foot, and continue hand movements, up and down (Heaven).
Transition to Dragon Gathers Stars:
7) Dragon Gathers Stars: As one hand moves down in Heaven, sweep it around to your back, thumb and center finger touching, fingers forming a beak pointing up, resting on low back. Forward hand sweeps forward and circles around the front of your body at eye level, gathering stars, turning in torso slightly as you gather. As hand approaches head, palm turns away from face in front of forehead, and swivels to gather stars again in front of body. Torso turns and circles gently as hand gathers stars. After several repetitions, change forward foot and beak hand behind. Repeat motion on this side several times.
8) Bamboo Waves On Mountain: Return to aligned stance. Both arms move to one side, wrists floating up to same side; bring hands in circle around body, describing a “clock face”: hands pause, placing the chi, at one side, above head, at other side, hanging down to feet, continuing along clock face. Wrists curve gently as hands place the chi; eyes, not head, follow arm movements. Repeat several times. Reverse the direction and repeat several times. Slowly rise from hanging position, stacking each vertebra.
9) Dragon Stomping: Hands rise with palms facing up and fingertips facing each other, close to front of body but not touching it; lifting. Rising to chest level, palms rotate down, pushing. Palms turn at their highest and lowest point. As palms rise, shift weight onto balls of feet while lifting heels. Bring heels down slowly as palms float down. Upward and downward movements of hands correspond with weight shift in feet. As hands push down, allow them to rest at sides of body.
10) Gathering Chi: Bring hands to Tan Tien point; feel energy in hands and close eyes to gather chi in your energy “storehouse”. Bring your awareness to your breath; have an inner smile! When you are ready, bring your awareness to your eyes, open them slowly, and carry on with your day.